Nestled between Uganda’s borders with South Sudan to the northwest and Kenya just 5 kilometers to the east, Kidepo Valley National Park spans rugged, semi-arid valleys. Established as a national park in 1962, it covers over 1,400 square kilometers.

The park features two seasonal rivers—Kidepo and Narus—which provide crucial water sources during the dry season. As these rivers dry up, only isolated pools remain, attracting wildlife from across the park to these watering holes, making it ideal for game viewing.

In the dry season, Narus Valley becomes the heart of wildlife activity in Kidepo. Its wetlands and seasonal pools provide the only consistent water sources in the park, drawing dense populations of elephants, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species. This valley’s open savanna landscape and concentrated wildlife make it ideal for game drives, offering an unforgettable safari experience.

Kidepo Valley National Park boasts one of the richest collections of big game in Uganda, with over 77 mammal species. Highlights include:

• Elephants: The population has rebounded dramatically, rising from around 200 in the 1990s to as many as 1,000 today.
• Buffalo: With an estimated 10,000-15,000 individuals, these iconic animals are a staple of the park’s landscape.
• Rothschild’s Giraffes: From near extinction, their numbers have grown to over 50, thanks to successful conservation efforts and translocations.
• Lions, Zebras, and Cheetahs: The park’s open savannas make it a prime location for spotting these majestic predators and other game animals.

Kidepo is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 476 species, many of which are rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda. Notable species include the ostrich, secretary bird, northern carmine bee-eater, little green bee-eater, and the Abyssinian scimitarbill. With such a diverse avian population, bird enthusiasts are sure to be captivated by the park’s colorful and unique birdlife.

Kidepo Valley National Park is also surrounded by vibrant cultures. The Karamojong people, a pastoral community, live around the park and contribute to its unique character.

Travelers can also encounter the Ik people, a hunter-gatherer tribe whose traditions and way of life are deeply connected to the land.

Engaging with these communities offers travelers a deeper understanding of the park’s cultural significance, as well as the challenges these communities face.

Storytelling, dance, and traditional crafts provide an immersive cultural experience, adding another layer of richness to a Kidepo safari.

Kidepo is located approximately 700 kilometers from Kampala, making it one of Uganda’s most isolated parks. Although the drive can take up to 12 hours, the journey through the wild Karamoja region is an adventure of its own. For a quicker option, chartered flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to the airstrip near Apoka

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